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new to 29-need frame suggestions

751 Views 11 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  curtboroff
really want a 29r. and i really want to build, not buy. was looking online and saw the access for $250 with no negative reviews. saw a giant xtc for $600, and a niner emd for $500. i think niner is damn good quality, and was surprised at the giant price. and, im sure there are better prices, i just started looking. i need some suggestions

best place to buy from, both in selection, and price/service?


frame suggestions- the less i spend here, the more i spend on wheels.

plans. im in the air on gear setup. either SS, dingle speed, or 1x9. need to test ride to get closer to a decision. however, i plan rigid, and budget. i do have a tendency to go big, and ill probably start with a niner fork cause i like the way they look.

please, suggest away!
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WHat sort of riding do you do? When you mention you "Go Big" I assume you mean as in air, i.e. jumping, so I'd tend to guess you're not looking for an XC type ride. If that's the case there are numerous good frames out there that might suit you - riding style and weight dependant somewhat. If this is the riding you like I would steer you towards the new Geo bikes like the Paradox, Yelli Screamy, bikes with HA at or under 69 degrees. Do some looking about on here and you'll find loads of threads on these two bikes and loads of other bikes that are similar. Here's my thoughts on the Paradox after owning it for 4 months, in general these thoughts have not change since I posted it, just enjoy it more and more as time goes by ;)
If it's XC type riding you're looking to do, then there are loads and loads of frames out there geared towards that segment and style of riding, I personally though would still (and do) ride the Paradox for XC. Also enjoy my Karate Monkey for XC rigid, for under $500 frame & fork it's a good deal.
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thanx for the input! actually the go big was aimed at dropping cash, which i want to avoid and maintain a budget, which im not sure of the amount just yet. and i totally forgot to include the intended use, like a dummy.

it will be my street, pumptrack/bike park, XC, and multi day with rear rack at least. kind of jack of all trades. but definitely rigid, and most likely a double crank single wheel setup.

i will check out the paradox for sure. i know the KM is quality, but i dont love the look. im kinda snudy that way!
You can't go wrong with any of the Niner frames. If you decide on going single speed, then go with a Niner frame. The E.M.D 9 is their cheapest, but if you are thinking single speed, then take a look at the S.I.R 9. It can be single speed or geared and has the bio-centric bottom bracket. Also, you got to love those Niner paint finishes!!
Giant is also going to be a good option and has a really good warranty.
You also mentioned you are going fully rigid. Have you seen the Fisher Sawyer?
i havent, i will check it out, currently reading the yelli vs. paradox thread.
also, i want to be able to put a strong rear rack on as well. for those longer trips.

i REALLY!!!!!! like the Yelli, more so than the paradox as far as looks, and i like the bent top tube since i have a short inseam. but i dnt think it can be rack equipt. same for paradox. niners fit the same bill.

or am i wrong?
maybe im wrong, do the rear racks with legs go to the skewer?

anyway, i like the bandersnatch in orange! its sub $500, though i would still like to go sub $400.

http://www.vassagocycles.com/bandersnatch/

and the soma juice, $450 love the green

http://www.somafab.com/juice29.html
maybe im wrong, do the rear racks with legs go to the skewer?

anyway, i like the bandersnatch in orange! its sub $500, though i would still like to go sub $400.

http://www.vassagocycles.com/bandersnatch/

and the soma juice, $450 love the green

http://www.somafab.com/juice29.html
how about the el mariachi and fargo? both are rackable, and i like there looks.

el mar is $600 ish

fargo is that or a bit less
also like the voodoo aizan $600



all input welcome. are they rough stuff capable. not much if any outback drop offs, but jumps and roots and the occasional oh **** do come along. another detail i left out. im currently 260#, and usually start every season at that weight. so worst case, 260# + rear rack around 20# + my pack at 30#. maybe more for lots of water.

need to be a strong bike!
See why listing intended purpose is so important ;) This totally changes what frames will be recomended, for me that'd be the KM or similar type frame, cross Alu frames off your list if you are seriously going to be running rigid. Again, there's loads of info on this forum about such bikes, just do some searching and you'll prob find your answer.

zukrider said:
thanx for the input! actually the go big was aimed at dropping cash, which i want to avoid and maintain a budget, which im not sure of the amount just yet. and i totally forgot to include the intended use, like a dummy.

it will be my street, pumptrack/bike park, XC, and multi day with rear rack at least. kind of jack of all trades. but definitely rigid, and most likely a double crank single wheel setup.

i will check out the paradox for sure. i know the KM is quality, but i dont love the look. im kinda snudy that way!
carouseldesignworks.com makes some frame packs that do not use a rack system, all custom for your bike.
If you must have a rack system, oldmanmountain.com makes the best racks in the business.
Both are worth a look.
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